[Itaewon Tragedy] Religious Communities Continue Memorials... "Deep Condolences and Comfort to Victims and Families" (Comprehensive)

Religious Circles Express Condolences and Comfort to Victims and Families
Hankyochong Temporarily Postpones 'Korea Parade' Scheduled at Gwanghwamun and City Hall Plaza
Yeouido Sunbogeum Church "Will Collect and Deliver Donations"

On the 30th, ahead of Halloween, large-scale crushing disaster occurred in the Itaewon area. Memorial flower bouquets are placed near the site of the Itaewon crushing accident in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seomideum] Religious communities have expressed condolences one after another regarding the crush accident that occurred on the 29th in Itaewon, Seoul.

The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism issued a condolence statement on the 30th, saying, "We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and their families of the Itaewon tragedy that occurred on Halloween Day. We pray for the peaceful afterlife of the young souls who lost their lives in this unexpected accident," and added, "The relevant authorities must thoroughly investigate the causes and process of this disaster to prevent any further sacrifices of the youth, who are the future leaders."

The Taego Order of Korean Buddhism also stated, "We pray for the repose of those who passed away in this unfortunate accident and for the speedy recovery of the injured before the Buddha and Bodhisattvas," and "We extend our deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families."

The Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism expressed, "We sincerely mourn those who lost their lives in this tragic accident and offer our condolences to their families and relatives."

The Korea Christian Federation (HanGyoChong), a Protestant ecumenical organization, also issued an emergency statement on the same day, saying, "To join the grief of the bereaved families during the national mourning period, the 'Korea Parade' scheduled to be held on November 5th at Gwanghwamun and City Hall Plaza will be temporarily postponed," and "Once again, we pray that God's comfort be with the grieving families and express our deep condolences together with the people."

The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK), a progressive Christian ecumenical organization, also stated, "We express our deep condolences to all those who lost their lives in a tragedy that should never have happened while trying to enjoy a brief moment of freedom from busy and tiring daily life."

Yoido Full Gospel Church issued a statement at the congregational level, saying, "Last night, we lost 151 young people, the future leaders of our society, in an instant. We extend our condolences to the bereaved families who lost precious children, relatives, and friends," and added, "To comfort those who are grieving from this incident, Yoido Full Gospel Church, the Christian Council of Korea, and the Korea Christian Federation, along with the entire Korean church, plan to raise and deliver donations for the victims' families."

The Catholic Church also joined the line of condolences. Archbishop Jung Soon-taek of the Seoul Archdiocese prayed, "May God's grace and comfort be with many who are suffering from the sudden loss of beloved family and friends," and "We hope that no more deaths will occur and that all the injured will recover quickly."

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea also mourned, saying, "We entrust the victims who tragically lost their lives in the Itaewon disaster to God's mercy," and "We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pray for the speedy recovery and peace of the injured."

The Won-Buddhism issued a statement saying, "We extend our deepest condolences to the deceased and their families who were victims of the Itaewon tragedy. We wish for the quick healing and recovery of the injured," and "Won-Buddhism will devote all its efforts to prayers for the liberation and salvation of the victims and will not cease its condolences and support for the bereaved families."

Meanwhile, at around 10:15 p.m. on the 29th, a tragedy occurred in the Itaewon area of Seoul, where more than 150 people died as a huge crowd gathered ahead of Halloween Day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.